Series: Knowing God Through Prayer

“If you won’t go with us, let us stay here with You.” Exodus 33:15
 
In Exodus 33, The Lord told Moses He was going to send the Children of Israel to the promised land with an angel because if He were to go with them, He might destroy them. Moses’ reply, or prayer, to The Lord is so precious when he tells God in verse 15, “If you won’t go with us, let us stay here with you.” Moses would rather have stayed in the wilderness with The Lord than go to the promised land without Him. Once we experience The Lord being with us, we will do anything to stay close to Him.
 
In Exodus 33:17, The Lord responded to Moses and said, “I will do this thing you have asked, for you have found favor in my sight.” Moses’ prayer and intercession on behalf of the Children of Israel caused The Lord to change His plan to send them without Him. Moses’ love for his people and his prayers influenced The Lord, causing Him to change His mind and go with them.
 
Our prayers for those in rebellion and stubbornness to the ways of The Lord matter; we can change the course of history for our loved ones. Our prayers on behalf of our lost loved ones change His plans and change their lives.
 
We can influence God for this world, Jeremiah 32:17 says, "...nothing is too difficult for The Lord." It is what we can do for them. We can pray, intercede, and help The Lord’s favor to rest on those who need Him. Those of us who abide in The Lord, and walk in His ways, owe those who are wandering and lost our prayers and petitions for their sake. When you think of someone, pray for them. When you think of someone often, intercede for them (stand in their place before The Lord). You may keep those close to you from tragedy or making wrong choices just because you loved them enough to call out their name to our faithful, loving God. Prayer is what we can do for the world.